A student-designed and constructed float from Cal Poly Universities earned the top honor at the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena on Thursday. The entry, titled “Jungle Jumpstart,” received the prestigious Sweepstakes Award for being the most beautiful entry in the annual event, which proceeded despite cold and rainy conditions.
The float, a joint project between students at the San Luis Obispo and Pomona campuses, stood out as the only one in the parade entirely conceived and built by students. It marked the 77th time the universities have participated in the New Year's Day tradition.
Key Takeaways
- Cal Poly Universities' float, "Jungle Jumpstart," won the Sweepstakes Award at the 137th Rose Parade.
- The entry was the only float in the parade entirely designed and built by students.
- The float's design featured rainforest animals repairing a 40-foot robot, reflecting the parade's theme, "The Magic in Teamwork."
- The Tournament of Roses presented official honors to 24 floats, with winners including the San Diego Zoo and Trader Joe's.
A Student-Led Triumph
The Cal Poly float captured the judges' attention with its intricate design and compelling narrative. The centerpiece was a massive 40-foot robot, depicted as injured and lying on the rainforest floor. Surrounding the mechanical figure were colorful, animated animals working together to repair it.
This scene was designed to perfectly align with this year’s parade theme, “The Magic in Teamwork.” The float illustrated a story of collaboration between the natural world and technology, showing jungle creatures using their skills to help a fallen friend.
A Longstanding Tradition
The Cal Poly Rose Float program is a testament to student ingenuity. For 77 years, students from both the San Luis Obispo and Pomona campuses have collaborated on every aspect of their parade entry, from initial concept sketches to the final floral application. This hands-on experience provides a unique learning opportunity in engineering, design, and project management.
Thousands of spectators braved the inclement weather to line the parade route, witnessing the detailed craftsmanship firsthand. The float's victory is a significant achievement for the student teams who dedicated countless hours to its creation.
The Story Behind “Jungle Jumpstart”
The float's design tells a story of harmony and mutual support. A diverse team of “jungle engineers,” including a frog, a monkey, a jaguar, and lemurs, are shown actively working on the robot. They cleverly incorporate natural elements like fallen branches and plants into their repairs, symbolizing the robot's acceptance into their ecosystem.
Aubrey Goings, president of the parade team at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, explained the narrative in a statement.
“Our jungle engineers... work around the robot to bring it back to life. A toucan, standing proudly atop a tree stump, is focused on the antenna of the robot, while also making sure everything below is going smoothly. With some inspiring teamwork, the robot flickers alive. In thanks, the robot lifts a vibrant macaw skyward, helping it take flight.”
This detailed storytelling, combined with the float's vibrant colors and complex mechanics, clearly resonated with both the judges and the audience.
Recognizing Excellence Across the Parade
While Cal Poly took the top prize, the Tournament of Roses recognized a total of two dozen floats for their excellence in various categories. The awards celebrated creativity, animation, and thematic interpretation.
Did You Know?
The Sweepstakes Award has been presented at the Rose Parade since 1924. It is considered the highest honor, recognizing the most beautiful entry in terms of design, floral presentation, and entertainment value.
Several other organizations received notable awards for their elaborate and imaginative creations. The winners represented a diverse mix of cities, corporations, and non-profit groups, each contributing to the parade's spectacular display.
Other Notable Award Winners
The official honors highlighted a wide range of artistic and technical achievements. Some of the key awards presented include:
- Grand Marshal Award: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
- President’s Award: OneLegacy Donate Life
- Theme Award: City of Burbank
- Judges Award: Sierra Madre Rose Float Assn.
- Americana Award: Travel South Dakota
- Bob Hope Humor Award: City of Alhambra
- Wrigley Legacy Award: Trader Joe’s
These awards underscore the immense effort and creativity that participants invest in the Rose Parade each year. From humorous designs to breathtaking floral arrangements, each float adds a unique element to the cherished New Year's celebration.